Gene Linked to Food Allergy-Related Disorder – Scientists have linked a region of a human chromosome with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), a recently recognized disorder that can cause difficulty eating and is associated with allergies to certain foods. They’ve also identified a gene that’s likely involved in the disorder.

EoE is characterized by inflammation and accumulation of a specific type of immune cell, called an eosinophil, in the esophagus. Symptoms of EoE vary with age. In young children, a major symptom is spitting up food. In older children and adults, the inflammation and swelling can cause food to become stuck in the esophagus. Symptoms may improve with a special liquid formula diet or a diet that lacks 6 highly allergenic foods: milk, soy, eggs, wheat, peanut and seafood.

EoE differs from more common food allergies, which can have serious consequences as well. Little is known about what causes EoE, but the disease runs in families, suggesting that specific genes may be involved. Source: http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/march2010/03152010allergy.htm

Daughter is almost one

My daughter will be one 1/29/10.  I still breast feed and she does take forumal at times too.  Besides baby cereal and bananas I really can not get her to eat too much more then that.  She is at a health weigh and her doctor says she is a very healthy baby.  All goods, but am I trying to feed her food too soon?  Or is there other food that I can try to see if will eat it?  Advise is welcome.

Unilever United States, Inc., in cooperation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is conducting a nationwide voluntary recall of all Slim-Fast® ready-to-drink (RTD) products in cans, due to the possibility of contamination with Bacillus cereus, a micro-organism, which may cause diarrhea and possibly nausea and/or vomiting. The probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.

Firm Press Release: FDA posts press releases and other notices of recalls and market withdrawals from the firms involved as a service to consumers, the media, and other interested parties. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company.

Read the story: Unilever Conducts Nationwide Voluntary Recall of Slim-Fast® Ready-to-Drink Products in Cans Due to Possible Health Risk

Can a baby not like the taste of formula anymore?

My 6 month old has a hard time taking a baby bottle.   She now fights me when I try to feed her from the bottle. It is like she is not interested in it.  This is a new issue, she never had problems feeding from a bottle before.

She will drink out of a sippy cup.  So the other day,  she had a few sips of water in her sippy cup while we were at my friends house.  Since she did  not take all of her bottle from earlier,  I poured the rest of her formula into her cup and and gave it to her.  She took a drink and made a face, then would not  drink any more of it.

She will drink water and juice when I give it to her but seems to always have an issue when I am trying to feed her the formula.  Any advise would be helpful.

Do you breastfeed your baby

At what age should you stop breast feeding your baby

I am going to be having my second baby in about three months.  With my first child I was not able to breast feed due to medication I needed to take at the time.  With my second one on the way I should not have this same problem.  I am wondering how long do you normally a breast feed.   When I had my son,  some people made me feel bad about not breast feeding until they found out why.

I would just like some thoughts on how long should one breast feed a baby for?  Any replies are welcome.